“See? And how was the new clerk at Tolliver’s dressed?”
“Well, she didn’t have a low neckline, but I see what you mean. She wore a dress, too. So did Callie and Ainsley. Okay, you’ve made your case. She doesn’t dress like most women on Terah, but she’d fit right in on Earth, which is why I never paid any attention to it.”
“But everyone else sees a warrior when they look at her. The female part is secondary. You might need to keep that in mind, especially when you start talking about bodyguards. If she’s with you, she’s your bodyguard. Don’t even suggest you need someone else.”
Chapter 16
The Council of Elders
Rhianna had felt lighthearted when she started up the stairs Sunday evening, but by the time she reached her room, a mantle of despair had settled on her shoulders. So much was riding on the council’s ruling. All she’d ever wanted was to be a warrior elf, and now, because of some lie Rolan’s men were spreading, she was in danger of losing everything she’d worked so hard to gain.
Up until that night she’d refused to allow herself to even think they might decide against her. It would be bad enough if they told her she was no longer a warrior elf, but if they banished her it would mean the end of life as she knew it. Tears ran down her cheeks as the possibility of never again being able to hear her mother’s voice, see her father’s eyes, or roam through the woods of Crinsor Run sank in.
Myron wouldn’t be able to help her if they banished her, no matter how much he might want to. Any association with her would put him in direct conflict with the elves and bring dishonor to his position and his house. She’d have to stay away from Landis, too. She couldn’t let her disgrace bleed over onto her either. Her only option would be to vanish.
But how would she support herself if she couldn’t work as a warrior elf? She’d be an outcast no matter where she went. The humans wouldn’t want her around, and she’d be forbidden to live anywhere near elves. Where could she go? How would she live?
Rhianna tossed and turned as her mind dwelt on the worst possible outcome. She gave up on sleep a couple of hours before daybreak and mentally called out to Corin. After she dressed, she headed downstairs, hoping the unicorn would meet her at the stable.
Corin was waiting outside the dining room door. “Bad night?”
“You might say that,” Rhianna answered mentally. “Could we go for a ride?”
“Sure.” Corin waited for Rhianna to mount and then said, “There’s a clearing on top of the mountain where you can see the light as the sun comes over the horizon. Might lift your spirits to watch the dawn of a new day.”
“I doubt it’ll help to watch the dawn of this one, but we can give it a try,” Rhianna answered as Corin galloped across the pasture and headed for the woods. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll fall off the top and not have to deal with today.”
For a moment, Rhianna could have sworn she heard the unicorn laugh.
~ ~ ~ ~
Kevin tossed and turned so much Sunday night that Nikki abandoned the bed and curled up on the couch. He knew what Rhianna was facing with the Council of Elders and he felt powerless to help her. In spite of all his talk, he had no authority where the elves were concerned. They would be well within their rights to send him packing and tell him to take the other humans with him.
No matter how hard he tried, he could not come up with one persuasive argument for why they should listen to him. He hadn’t even been there when it happened. The only one who could overrule them was Glendymere, but he’d never challenge the sovereignty of the Council of Elders in purely elven matters. And even though Kevin was loath to admit it, determining whether or not an elf met the criteria for being a warrior elf was an elven issue, as was deciding who was allowed to live among them.
About an hour before sunrise, Kevin gave up on sleep and got dressed. He felt like he was wound so tight he was going to explode, and the only thing he knew of that might ease the pressure was his magic.
He took Nikki down to the stable and left her in her crate so she could go back to sleep. Then he floated across the river and entered the little grove where he practiced every morning. Usually anyone in the area saw a display of energy gently rising and falling when he ran through his routine, but not that morning. Instead of sparkles of light dancing among the tree tops, his magic burst out of the grove and lit up the sky.
Rhianna was too deep in the forest to see any of it, but Chris had a ringside seat. He hadn’t slept well either and by the time Kevin entered the grove, Chris was on the balcony. At the first explosion of light, Chris frowned, and as more and more bursts of light shot out of the grove, the frown deepened. It wasn’t the bursts that bothered Chris as much as the ragged transitions. Usually they were so smooth that unless you knew his routine, you couldn’t spot them. But that morning Kevin seemed to be struggling for control, fighting to keep his magic from getting away from him. He was like a keg of dynamite with a short fuse. The last thing any of them needed was for some elf to strike the match.
Chris paced back and forth as he watched the sky above the grove. He kept hoping things would settle down, but they seemed to be intensifying. There was no way he could let Kevin go to North Amden in that mood. He figured he had until lunch to either calm Kevin down or come up with a compelling reason why he should be the one to go to North Amden.
~ ~ ~ ~
Chris waited until Kevin was finished and on his way back before going down to the kitchen for coffee. He wanted Kevin to think he’d missed that morning’s performance.
Kevin stepped into the dining room from the patio at the same time Chris walked in from the hall. “Good morning,” Chris said, yawning. “Are you up early or did I oversleep?”
“I was early,” Kevin said in a gruff voice. “Had trouble sleeping last night.”
“So did I,” Chris answered, ignoring Kevin’s mood. “I want to talk to you about something but let’s get our coffee first.”
Kevin grunted, which Chris chose to interpret as agreement, so he went on into the kitchen. He poured two cups of coffee and grabbed a couple of brownies to take back upstairs.
Kevin had changed into his formal tunic, complete with his red sash, by the time Chris walked in. Chris nodded to himself. He definitely needed to come up with a compelling reason. “Last night I kept thinking about the meeting today,” he began as he sat down with his coffee.
“So did I,” Kevin mumbled.
“I’m not sure it’s such a good idea for you to go,” Chris said matter-of-factly, and held his breath for Kevin’s reaction.
“What?! Of course I’m going!”
Chris leaned back and tilted his head. “I know you want to, and there are some good arguments for it on several levels. For one, you need to show your support for Rhianna because she was defending your apprentice.”
“And a couple of guys who work for me,” Kevin growled.
“True, but they’re not the ones you’re trying to convince people she was protecting,” Chris said. “On another level, the incident involves you because it happened in what might be considered your backyard.”
Kevin snorted as he sat down opposite Chris and picked up his coffee. “Everything you’ve said argues for me to go. So why do you say I shouldn’t?”
“Because we’re looking at things from our point of view, not theirs, and I think we need to consider how they’ll see it if you show up.”
“They’ll see that I think she was justified,” Kevin spit out.
Chris nodded. “In other words, they’re going to think you’re there to influence their decision. Seeing you there will make the elves think the Master Sorcerer’s planning to meddle in something that should be left up to them, and that’s who they’re going to see. Not Myron, not the Sorcerer of Camden, but the Master Sorcerer. And that’s a heavy weight to be tossing around. I’m afraid seeing you there might tilt the scales against her.”
Kevin opened his mouth to argue, but closed it and frowned. “I hate to admit it,
but you may have a point.” He sighed as he leaned back and took a sip of his coffee. “I was up a lot last night too, and one of the things bothering me is no matter how much I want to help, there’s nothing I can do. The reason they’ve requested her presence is they’re going to decide whether or not she can remain a warrior elf and that’s completely under their control. I have no say in that whatsoever.”
“And if the council knew you felt that way, your presence might not hurt her, but if you show up, they might think you’re under the impression you do have a say, and that could be bad for Rhianna.”
Kevin paused. “Let me think about it.”
Chris nodded. “If you do decide to sit this one out, I can take them, but I need to know where to go. It’s still dark in North Amden. We could make a quick trip out there right now and no one would see us.”
Kevin drank the rest of his coffee and stood up. “Okay. I’ll take you to the same spot Hayden took me. We’ll be in front of the building where Weldon has his office. From what Hayden said, the council meeting will take place in the same building.”
~ ~ ~ ~
Kevin’s mood didn’t improve much during the morning. The pages tried not to do or say anything that might irritate him after he blew up at Ariel because his favorite stationery wasn’t on his desk. They found any and all excuses to leave the main office. Never before had the mail been checked so often, the coffee carafe changed so frequently, or ink bottles topped off so quickly. The tension in the office was so thick it was almost visible.
When Rhianna walked into the reception area a little before lunch, the pages all breathed a sigh of relief, until they realized she was as edgy as Kevin was.
Before she could head into Kevin’s office, Chris stood up and said, “Rhianna, could we talk for a moment? Someplace else?”
Rhianna almost smiled as a picture of the island cave flashed in her head. “Where would you like to talk?”
Chris thought quickly. The only vacant rooms were bedrooms, and he wasn’t sure it would be a good idea to take her up to the family quarters. He looked at Ariel. “We’ll be in the governor’s office if you need me.”
“You won’t be gone long, will you?” Elin asked, casting a worried glance towards Kevin’s closed door.
“No, I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Chris said as he and Rhianna left.
When they reached the governor’s office, Chris asked Joan if Karl was in.
“No, he’s with General Crandal,” Joan answered. “Want me to send Petri to get him?”
Chris shook his head. “I just need to borrow his office. Would you see that we’re not disturbed?” he asked as he opened Karl’s door and motioned for Rhianna to enter.
“Sure, I guess,” Joan answered, perplexed.
Once they were alone, Rhianna asked, “What’s going on?”
“Kevin’s got a bit of a dilemma, and I wanted you to know about it before you talk to him.” When she nodded, he continued. “You know he’s behind you with this mess over Saryn.”
Rhianna nodded again.
“And he wants things to go well for you with the council today.”
Once more, Rhianna nodded.
“But if he shows up with you, he’s afraid the members of the council will think he’s there officially, as the Master Sorcerer, and that he’s planning to interfere.”
“And that could make things go badly for me,” Rhianna finished for him.
Chris let out a long breath and nodded. “But he’s afraid if he doesn’t go, you’ll take it as a lack of support, and nothing could be farther from the truth.” Chris took a deep breath. “Rhianna, this has nothing to do with what the two of you are trying to do here. He knows you did nothing wrong, and your quick actions saved several lives, including Saryn’s. I feel sure Marcus would have thrown a killing bolt as soon as he spotted the man, and no one would have blamed him if he had.”
Rhianna nodded.
“Kevin’s torn right now. He wants to support you but at the same time he doesn’t want to do anything to jeopardize you.”
Rhianna stood up and smiled. “I understand.”
“Are you sure?” Chris said. “I’d hate for you to feel like he’s abandoning you if he decides to stay away.”
“I won’t. In fact, I think it would probably be best. But if he doesn’t go, can you take me?”
Chris nodded. “And Marcus, Alek, and Theresa. Whether or not the council chooses to listen to them is up to them, but they’ll be available if you need them.”
“Thank you. Now I’d better talk to Myron.”
~ ~ ~ ~
An hour later, Rhianna and Kevin walked out of Kevin’s office smiling and looking relaxed. Chris wished he knew how to interpret it.
“We’re going to get a bite of lunch,” Kevin said as they walked through the reception area. “Chris, why don’t you join us?” He glanced at Ariel and added, “If anyone’s looking for me, tell them I’ll be back in an hour.”
“Yes, sir.” Ariel sighed in relief. He didn’t know what Rhianna had said, but whatever it was must have worked.
When they reached the dining room, Kevin suggested they sit on the patio. “We need to talk, and preferably without a lot of interruptions.”
After they were seated at one of the little patio tables with their plates, Kevin said, “Rhianna and I think it would be best for you to take her to the council meeting this afternoon.” He looked over at Rhianna and added, “Remember what I said though, if you need me, or if you think they’ll listen to me, Chris can come get me.” He looked back at Chris. “I’ll stay in the office while you’re gone so you can find me if you need me.”
Chris nodded. “What time do we need to leave?”
“The meeting’s at noon, their time, which is three our time so I’d suggest leaving by half past two at the latest.” He looked at Rhianna. “What do you think? Would that work?”
Rhianna nodded. “That’ll give us plenty of time.”
“Is Theresa going to meet us at the castle or do I need to pick her up on the way?” Chris asked.
“I think she’s planning to come up here, but if she’s not here by a little after two, I’ll go down and get her. I want all of you at the office when you leave for South Port,” Kevin said.
Chris nodded. “Okay.”
Kevin turned to Rhianna. “I’ll take you to see your parents after you get back here.”
“If I’m allowed to go,” Rhianna said, tears gathering in her eyes.
“I’ll take you to see your parents, Rhianna, no matter what anyone says.” He reached over and put his hand on top of hers. “After all, who’s gonna stop me?”
A faint smile teased the corners of her mouth. “I’ll be so glad when this is over and I know something one way or the other. This not knowing is driving me crazy.”
“Just hang in there a couple more hours and it’ll all be over.”
“One way or the other,” Rhianna mumbled as she toyed with her food.
~ ~ ~ ~
A little more than two hours later, Chris, Rhianna, and her witnesses were seated in Weldon’s reception area.
Eldwyn, Weldon’s aide, had seen them standing in front of the building looking lost. He hadn’t seen Rhianna since she was a young child, but she favored her father and uncle so much he had no doubt who she was. Once he settled them inside, he went into Weldon’s office to let him know his niece had arrived.
“Good.” Weldon stood up and nodded to Caelan who had come in earlier. “Did Hayden come with her?”
Eldwyn shook his head. “No, but several humans did.”
Weldon frowned. “Humans? Why are they here? And why hadn’t anyone let me know we had humans in town?”
“I’m letting you know now,” Eldwyn answered. “And they just arrived. They came by key.”
Caelan stood up. “Is Myron here?”
“Since I don’t know what he looks like, I have no idea, but the men are all dressed alike.”
“Probably Myron and a co
uple of bodyguards,” Caelan said. “He must be here on her behalf since the incident happened in Camden. I better go talk to him and explain he has no jurisdiction here.”
Weldon nodded. “Do it discretely. I’d hate for the other council members to get irritated with him and take it out on my niece.”
Caelan nodded and headed out the door. When he scanned the reception area, he spotted Rhianna, but not Myron. As he looked again, he realized the man seated off to the side was Myron’s assistant, Chris.
As he walked towards Chris, he smiled for the benefit of the council members who had just come in. “Hello, Chris. Could I speak with you for a moment? Outside?”
Chris nodded and followed Caelan out of the reception area, down the hall, and out the front door. But Caelan didn’t stop there. He kept going until they were halfway down another street, out of sight of Weldon’s building.
“Chris, if you’re here on Myron’s behalf,” Caelan started, but before he could get any farther, Chris shook his head and held up the key.
“Transportation only.”
Caelan let out a long breath. “Who are the other humans in there? Why are they here?”
“Myron thought you might want to question them as they were all involved in the incident you’re investigating. The sorcerer, Marcus, was shot by the man Rhianna’s accused of killing, and Alek, one of Myron’s bodyguards, saw it happen. Sister Theresa treated the man’s wounds and can give you a description of them and explain the seriousness of his injuries. We didn’t know whether the council wanted to hear what they have to say or not, but we figured if you did it would be easier if they were here.”
Caelan nodded. “Thank you for providing access to them. I’ll let the council know they’re here, and if they want to hear from anyone, we’ll let you know.” Then he turned back the way they’d come. “Guess we should be getting back. It’s time for the meeting. You are planning to wait for our decision, aren’t you?”
Chris nodded.
“You realize I can’t invite you to the meeting?”
“Same as you would not be invited to a meeting of the Council of Sorcerers.”
The Warrior Elf Page 22